Looking into Lumia 710

My service with Virgin Mobile has been getting slower and slower here in Indianapolis. I thought this would be a perfect time to try out a Windows Phone, something I've been looking to do for awhile. With the Lumia 710 on sale for $199 on T-Mobile's website, I am about to pull the trigger. A couple questions. How does this phone compare to say an Optimus V or Optimus Slider as far as the smoothness not only with the OS but also with common apps like TuneIn Radio and Facebook? I know I could compare tech specs but with different OS's, I didn't think that is worth much. Also, is it easy to sync gmail and google contacts with windows phones? I doubt it will as easy as Android for obvious reasons but hopefully it isn't too hard. Another question, is there a good maps/navigation program for windows phones and/or this phone specifically? I have loved the nav. provided with android and would hope there is something that is comparable, even if it costs a couple bucks.

I have become frustrated with how bad all companies have been when it comes to upgrading Android. It leads to way to many issues. I am hoping Windows could be the answer. Thanks for any and all replies!

EDIT: One last thing, I think. When a new version of Windows Phone comes out, do all Windows phones typically get it or is it more hit and mostly miss like Android?

The OS UI is superb, interface is smooth, snapy and doesn't suffer from random restarts or the sort. Apps function just as well depending on app-quality, good ones like TuneIn Radio, Facebook, WPCentral, YouTube Pro etc work great, no difference b/w them and UI (though FB does need a couple secons to load when you start it up I find), others are good but still need a little improvement.

Syncing gmail shouldn't be an issue, you just need to login with your details within the phone's email system. In fact gmail is one of my core email addresses and couldn't wish it to be better (though voice & plus integration would be nice, but yeah...). Regarding contacts, it should, you can sync gmail contacts and find them in the People Hub - same with FB, LinkedIn, Live, etc. Besides that there is also Contacts Transfer that will send all of your SIM contacts through bluetooth.

As for map/nav, there's Nokia Drive (voice turn-by-turn GPS with 3D mapping) and Nokia Maps, both great apps. No complaints, function very well with the OS. In fact Nokia will update Drive with landmark images, complete offline nav, etc as well as add Nokia Transport (public transit) and Nokia Reading (ebooks, news subscriptions, etc). Lumia handsets get all these for free.

WP7 is very smooth and fluid OS. It runs very well on the 710. You will find that Facebook, TuneIn work well.

gmail, contacts, calendars work with WP. My friend uses those services and has had no complaints.

The 710 has free navigation called Nokia Drive. For Maps there is Bing Map and Nokia Maps. Bing Maps is more integrated in the OS.

So far all updates have been pushed out by Microsoft to all phones. Carriers (especially AT&T) can take their time approving/modifying those updates but expect Tango (the next version) to hit all phones eventually. T-Mobile is usually much faster. Nokia is also working on some firmware updates and to add Internet Sharing.

Based on what you guys have said, I'm starting to feel like the only thing I should worry about is how good T-mobile will be in my area. Thanks for your responses. Being my first introduction to this forum, it seems like this community is a lot more responsive to people who aren't experts yet. Once I get this phone, hopefully I'll be able to contribute a bit. Thanks again.

Mase:: I just recently switched from an Android phone to the Lumia710. You will not be disappointed. I used to get "force closes" and slowdowns all the time, but no longer. Everything just works and works well. From an actual phone standpoint I do wish the Lumia had more memory but you can't go wrong with a Windows phone with a 1.4ghz CPU.

My service with Virgin Mobile has been getting slower and slower here in Indianapolis. I thought this would be a perfect time to try out a Windows Phone, something I've been looking to do for awhile. With the Lumia 710 on sale for $199 on T-Mobile's website, I am about to pull the trigger. A couple questions. How does this phone compare to say an Optimus V or Optimus Slider as far as the smoothness not only with the OS but also with common apps like TuneIn Radio and Facebook? I know I could compare tech specs but with different OS's, I didn't think that is worth much. Also, is it easy to sync gmail and google contacts with windows phones? I doubt it will as easy as Android for obvious reasons but hopefully it isn't too hard. Another question, is there a good maps/navigation program for windows phones and/or this phone specifically? I have loved the nav. provided with android and would hope there is something that is comparable, even if it costs a couple bucks.

I have become frustrated with how bad all companies have been when it comes to upgrading Android. It leads to way to many issues. I am hoping Windows could be the answer. Thanks for any and all replies!

EDIT: One last thing, I think. When a new version of Windows Phone comes out, do all Windows phones typically get it or is it more hit and mostly miss like Android?

The 710 is free with 2 year agreement from both Tmobile and the Microsoft store.

$199 for an off-contract Lumia 710? Really? Could you get me a link, please? That's a stunning price. Are you getting a 2-yr contract or going month to month? If month to month, then I have a great solution for you!

You will need a Live ID (hotmail address) to get started, but once your phone is up and running you go to Settings>email+accounts>add an account and put in your address and password in and you're done. It will automatically pull your contacts and calendar events. From the same menu you can set your sync interval. I have mine set to sync every 30 minutes to save battery but if you need push just set it to "as it arrives". It works flawlessly. Better than Android, I would say.